The rest of the week since Monday has been rainy, and I have not been out for any more "long" walks. But I have still been "on my feet" quite a lot just pottering about at home...
Tuesday was Laundry Day, and between my turns to the laundry room I also visited my storage space in the basement to collect my Advent decorations. Some readers who have been following this blog for years may recall that I tend to put up my Christmas decorations gradually during December. For 1st Advent, I usually start with switching my kitchen curtains and some other textiles; plus replacing various window lamps around the flat with electric candle holders and stars. This year, because of my injured knee, I decided to abstain from the curtain project, and just keep the ones that I bought back in spring - but exchange the green ribbons for red ones. I did manage to get the window stars up in the kitchen + study without climbing - just using a long grabber.
Ever since I moved to my present flat (17 years ago) I've also been used to having one electric candle holder (each with 7 lights) in each window; which means four of them. I recalled that the one in my living room stopped working some time after NewYear last winter, though. I was hoping that a whole set of new lightbulbs might fix it - but it did not. And even worse: The kitchen one now turned out to have given up as well!
As I'm no electrician, my skills don't go beyond switching light bulbs - so both those candle holders had to go back down to the storage room, at least for now. Pity, as both those are kind of special and my favourites...
However... This was also my week for ordering stuff from the supermarket, and they also have quite a lot of Christmas things. So I added two new ones (standard size and design, and not very expensive) to my order. A red one for the kitchen (see the photo above), and a white one of the same model for the living room (below). They arrived with my groceries on Thursday, and thankfully turned out fully functional. A bit smaller than my old ones, but I'll no doubt get used to that.
The candle holders in my study (above) and bedroom (below) are lower and bow-shaped.
The orchid on the left has decided to spring some new flower buds in time for Advent.
This small nativity scene is simple and made of plastic - but it's been with me nearly all my life! It was given to me in my early childhood by two "old ladies" (as they appeared to me back then), cousins of my maternal grandmother. They worked in a gift shop and used to give me various ornaments for Christmases and birthdays, some of which I still have. And this one has ended up in my "1st Advent box".
I have been waiting for a month now to see how the curtains work out and they look perfect. the red ribbons did the trick. the window looks so festive and I like the replacement advent candles. waiting for The Rest of The Advent Story to slowly appear. you are festive and waiting and did it without harming the knee
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. I was wondering where to find red ribbons of the right width - but when I searched the supermarket's website, it turned out that they actually also had a roll of red satin ribbon of exactly the same width as the green ones (which I had bought elsewhere, in connection with buying the curtains)
DeleteThe window is gorgeous, and so are the candles. They even make a beautiful reflection. I don't know how you managed the star with a grabber! I would surely have fallen on my head...
ReplyDeleteGinny, it's only the cord that needs to be lifted/hung with help of the grabber. I don't add the lightbulb until the cord is in place (no grabber needed), and then the star (made of paper and super light) on top of the bulb. I've done before, so easier than it may look/sound.
ReplyDeleteI always love your Christmas decorations, Monica. They seem so perfect for a cold weather Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline! A little bit different in the kitchen this year but I'm quite pleased with the result myself. :)
DeleteYour home is looking very festive already. It's a nice idea to decorate gradually, adding more as time passes. It's a gradual transformation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice. Not a big fan of too much "clutter" I find gradual decorating works best for me in December. I like to have my candles and lights up all month; but no santa/gnome figurines until much closer to Christmas... And I then also tend take things down again gradually in January!
Delete... in reversed order!
DeleteYour flat looks like a true welcoming home all year, but especially inviting for Advent and Christmas. It is nice that you have been keeping the small nativity since you were a child. I have a few such treasured things, too, and they feel like meeting old friends when I get them out of the Christmas box.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meike. As I spend most of my time at home it does feel important that it feels welcoming at least to myself... ;)
DeleteHow cosy and Christmassy your flat looks - I do love all your decorations and the illuminated star looks wonderful in the window. You have inspired me to search out my decorations and at least light up my Ikea advent candle - it's identical to the one in your second photo, though the little wreaths have gone missing over the years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. Yes, that shape of electric candle holders is a classic :)
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